Swimming: South Africa swimmers must pay their own way to Barcelona

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - South African swimmers, including Olympic gold medallist Chad le Clos, will have to pay their own way to compete in the Fina World Championships in Barcelona later this year as their cash-strapped federation cannot fund their trip.

Swimming South Africa CEO Shaun Adriaanse confirmed that the federation would be sending the swimmers to Spain but they would have to pay for their own flights and accommodation for the championships starting on July 19.

The swimming federation lost its major sponsor last year when South African telecommunications company Telkom pulled the plug on their US$ 1.25 million per year deal.